Debunking Myths About Ted Turner in 2023

He defied critics to create the first 24-hour cable news network, revolutionizing television and expanding access to information. Additionally, he owned both Atlanta Braves and Atlanta Hawks sports franchises as well as shaking up professional wrestling by purchasing World Championship Wrestling. Now Turner is expanding its cable offering further by creating two additional domestic channels and one dedicated to his extensive library of movies. Myth 1: Ted Turner was a racist Ted Turner was an American media mogul renowned for having strong opinions about life around him, many of which were expressed through speeches and articles he published for major newspapers and magazines. One such piece outlined concerns regarding media consolidation and ownership - concerns which have since been validated through court rulings and media ownership rules. Ted Turner was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. His father Ed owned a billboard company; however, his mood swings and physical abuse caused great distress for Ted. Later in life, Turner would learn he too suffered from bipolar disorder. Turner entered Brown University as an undergraduate in 1956 and soon found himself involved with some disciplinary matters, such as setting fire to a fraternity parade float and having a woman stay in his room. But Turner also discovered his passion for sailing, becoming an accomplished sailor during this time. Following graduation, Turner took up work for his father's company Turner Advertising where he soon increased billboard-space sales twofold! Turner then bought an Atlanta UHF station and established CNN - the world's first 24-hour cable news channel - despite initial resistance from media members and critics, eventually making a profit while revolutionizing news media. Turner achieved great success throughout his career, creating Superstation TBS and becoming an advocate of liberal politics. Additionally, he invested in eco-friendly businesses and donated much of his wealth towards environmental causes such as building the Atlanta Botanical Garden and Wildflower Center; founding Goodwill Games; revitalizing professional wrestling interest by purchasing World Championship Wrestling; as well as being involved with World Championship Wrestling itself. Turner sold his media empire to Time Warner in 1996 for $7.5 billion dollars and since has launched numerous cable networks such as Home Box Office (HBO), Turner Classic Movies, and TNT. Additionally, Turner became a prominent sports owner by owning both Atlanta Braves baseball team and Atlanta Hawks basketball team; additionally raising bison as well as opening Ted's Montana Grill restaurant. Myth 2: Ted Turner was a sexist Ted Turner was never one to play it safe. His aggressive nature, cultivated from years spent attending boarding school (whose motto was Honor - Truth - Duty), enabled him to build an unparalleled cable programming empire with global reach, revolutionizing news reporting while making the Atlanta Braves into one of baseball's premier teams and reigniting interest in professional wrestling. His generosity also extends to philanthropy: during his lifetime he donated billions towards education, arts and fighting poverty/hunger. He hasn't managed this without controversy though: some have accused him of being sexist, racist and anti-Semitic; others have labeled him as being overindulgent rich pig. Even so, he remains active today at age 92 and continues to play an active role in both his businesses and philanthropic ventures. No plans exist for retirement at this point in his life despite having many opportunities to do so - in fact he staunchly advocates using wealth for making society better, not hiding behind any excuses to stay rich! He believes in using his fortune for positive causes rather than selfish gains - not shy about spending it himself when his words are put into practice! He's no saint, but neither is he an atheist. Over time, his beliefs have evolved into an agnost and now prioritizes environmental initiatives and family. He follows certain personal rules which he strives to live by: treating everyone with dignity; having no more than two children at one time and refraining from using toxic materials at his ranches. He has always defied critics, and his legacy will outlive him. From his penthouse apartment at his company building -- owned by CNN -- in downtown Atlanta near Centennial Olympic Park, he can see its iconic red letters: CNN -- while living there himself for decades along with Fonda before retiring at age 70 in 2001. Old-timers remember Fonda wandering into their newsroom wearing only his bathrobe while working there with them. Myth 3: Ted Turner was a narcissist Ted Turner was known for making bold decisions that sometimes led him down unconventional paths; this trait served him well in the media industry. Additionally, Ted was highly innovative, always looking for ways to outshone competition. Ted took over his father's outdoor advertising company and transformed it into the first 24-hour news channel: CNN as well as other major media empires. Ted had an extremely challenging early life, yet that didn't stop him from succeeding. He worked tirelessly in his father's billboard business and learned the game of business extremely well. Additionally, he attended military school where he learned the values of honor, truthfulness and duty; traits which would later prove invaluable as he went on to become one of media's top talent and an influential philanthropist. In the 1980s, he took an active part in helping to ease international tensions by organizing international Goodwill Games aimed at encouraging athletic excellence and sportsmanship among superpowers. By the end of the Cold War, these events had contributed significantly to lessening hostilities between world nations. His business ventures extended far beyond media; he invested in numerous other businesses such as Atlanta Braves. Additionally, he owned ranches covering over one million acres - which is larger than Delaware and Rhode Island combined! - where endangered North American bison were being reestablished on his expansive lands. Personal tragedy had no bearing on his commitment and drive for success - never let this deter him from working hard and taking courageous, unconventional decisions which paid off, as depicted by Angela Duckworth's book GRIT. He epitomized grit! Turner built an immense media empire through bold and innovative actions. His stories form the backbone of many current news channels while his entrepreneurialism revolutionized media industry. Turner left an indelible mark on humanity. Myth 4: Ted Turner was a philanthropist Ted Turner revolutionized television by purchasing what would eventually become CNN, while at the same time being an extraordinary philanthropist. He gave away vast sums to charity during his lifetime and also contributed significantly towards aiding in the peace process between Russia and the US during this time period. Ted was an important sponsor of the 1980 Olympic Games as well as being well known for supporting United Nations causes. Today's media mogul once known for lining his red Ford Taurus in the CNN garage has taken a completely different path. While still owning plenty of land and his company, most of his attention now goes towards environmental causes and conservation initiatives - even taking action to save endangered species like bison on his vast property. David Geffen is also an enthusiastic supporter of the United Nations (UN), serving on their foundation board and making significant donations to UN causes, as well as joining with Sam Nunn in creating the Nuclear Threat Initiative, an effort designed to prevent attacks from nuclear weapons during post-Cold War global arms races. Turner was raised by his mother until she suddenly left him when he was 12 years old. To cope, he created an advertising company and later purchased radio stations; when his father committed suicide he assumed control of both companies and eventually became multi-billionaire. Even with his success, he felt restless within himself and sought meaning beyond wealth in life. Since selling his company to Time Warner and realigning his energy towards his philanthropy work (including pledgeing one billion to the UN and working to improve relations between America and Russia). He has long championed women and children's rights. In addition, he has provided financial support for various political candidates while investing some of his fortune into environmental causes. On his land lies an impressive herd of bison that serve as a symbol for how humans should treat our environment.